Vallejoans reflect on MLK through caravan – Times-Herald

The Omicron virus could not stop MLK Day from driving in Vallejo.

About 20 people joined the city’s caravan on Monday to ease the pain from last week’s city’s annual MLK Day parade and cancellation of the march.

About 12 cars left the Valleyho Ferry Building at around 11:30 am and arrived at City Park on Alabama Street about an hour later. While driving, some cars were carrying banners and the Black Lives Matter flag.

Avonelle Hanley-Mills, who helped organize the event in the last few days, was happy to see people coming out.

“Vallejo is in a unique transitional period, a call for action and we hope it will be an annual event,” said Hanley Mills. “MLK is known for peace and justice, and Vallejo is a wonderful city with repairable problems. We are all in Vallejo as citizens. We are all responsible for making changes. We need to step into that change because we have power. I keep saying that it’s not about the word “potential.” We are already a wonderful city. We are already there and focused on the present.

“Basically, we are asking today how we are influencing our youth. It’s great that we drive a car and say something, It’s enough to be here and stand in solidarity. “

Hanley-Mills said it was important for the caravan to attack all areas of Vallejo. “Because some areas may be overlooked.”

“It makes a lot of sense to continue the MLK message and remember our people,” said Mrs. Andorra Davis, a candidate for the Fourth District of the Vallejo City Council.

“MLK was huge because it allowed us to have an equal education,” Davis said. “He made equality possible. By driving today, we are trying to send a message to the community and go forward and send a positive message, which is by honking the car. It’s up to the participants, whether by sending a positive message by blasting one of the MLK’s speeches while driving. “

Also, I had a Kimberly Cox Marshall in my hand of the caravan. His father, Don Cox, a longtime Black Panther Party activist, died in 2011 after leaving the country.

“It’s great just to be here today,” Marshall said. “Many people say we’re moving forward, but I’m looking at it because I’m moving backwards. I wish I had more people today. I’m always looking for change. I’m sure there are people out there, but I wish more people would come. But I have to start somewhere. I’m happy to be part of this. “

Garrett Tolls, a community advocate running for Vallejo City Council District 2, said the MLK heritage “symbolizes freedom.”

“You can’t duplicate what he did, but if you follow his message, you can create change and peace in a world that is in desperate need.”